Kayaking and Paddleboarding Lake Tahoe: Where to Launch

The season runs late May through September. In July and August the surface is usually in the 60s and much colder below.

The lake is usually calm until late morning, when wind and chop build.

You can paddle to Fannette Island in the middle of Emerald Bay and see its stone tea house ruins.

Launch from Baldwin Beach or Camp Richardson and follow the shore north to the bay’s mouth. From D.L. Bliss State Park and Calawee Cove, paddle south along the Rubicon shoreline.

• Best for: paddlers comfortable with open water
• Launch: Baldwin Beach, Camp Richardson or D.L. Bliss State Park
• Highlights: Fannette Island, Vikingsholm and the boat-in campground on the north shore

Sand Harbor, in Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park, has turquoise water between granite boulders. Paddle south toward Secret Cove and Bonsai Rock for some of the clearest water.

Sand Harbor Rentals operates in summer. Entry fee.

Kings Beach has a long sandy shore and calm mornings, good for beginners and families. Rental shops set up in summer.

In Tahoe City, launch from Commons Beach and paddle the west shore. Floating the Truckee River is a separate trip.

Pope Beach, Baldwin Beach and Camp Richardson have easy launches and summer rentals, with Mount Tallac to the west.

Clearly Tahoe runs clear-bottom kayak tours. Kayak Tahoe is a longtime rental and tour operator.

Beach rentals include life jackets and paddles.

Your own board must meet the invasive species rules below.

Launch by 7:30 or 8 a.m. and paddle two or three hours along the shore.

Return by late morning. My Lake Tahoe scenic loop covers afternoon stops like Cave Rock and Monkey Rock.

• Early morning: launch at Sand Harbor, Kings Beach or Baldwin Beach
• Mid-morning: coves and a swim break
• Late morning: return before the wind
• Afternoon: hike, beach or town

A sudden fall can trigger cold water shock, a gasp reflex that makes breathing and swimming hard. Wear a life jacket.

Both states require a life jacket on board, and kids must wear one.

• Wear a fitted life jacket
• Check the wind forecast
• Stay close to shore
• Carry a whistle and waterproof phone case
• Paddle with a partner

Any kayak or board you bring must arrive clean, drained and dry.

The Tahoe Keepers program offers free guidance and inspections for non-motorized craft. Check its site before you go.

In South Lake, The Landing Resort & Spa and Edgewood Tahoe Resort are on the water. On the north shore, the Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort, Spa and Casino in Incline Village is near Sand Harbor.

See my where to stay in Lake Tahoe guide and the San Francisco to Lake Tahoe drive.